College football is the breeding ground for NFL talent. Top programs churn out talents that go down the history books. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, some programs stand out for their consistent success. Here are the schools with the longest active streaks of producing first-rounders.
Which Schools Have the Longest Active First-Round NFL Draft Streaks?
Every year, 32 players hear their names called in the NFL Draft’s first round. These selections earn hefty contracts. Last year, Alabama’s Bryce Young snagged over $41 million as the No. 1 pick.
For 2025, first-rounders are projected to land deals between $12 million and $38.5 million. Seven college programs have churned out first-round picks for at least four straight drafts, with one streak stretching over a decade. Here are the top schools with the longest streaks:
1. Alabama Crimson Tide (2009)
Alabama’s reign is unrivaled. Since 2009, they’ve notched 48 first-round picks. That averages over three per draft. Six Crimson Tide stars went in the 2021 first round, and although Nick Saban is gone, the streak could continue in 2025 with QB Jalen Milroe, LB Jihaad Campbell, or OG Tyler Booker.
Sources: Alabama QB Jalen Milroe had private workouts with the #Saints and #Browns that were described as “impressive.”
He also met with key members of the #Jets offensive staff and the #Steelers — prior to his Pro Day last month. pic.twitter.com/iUXRStSDZr
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 7, 2025
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (2016)
Ohio State’s streak is rock-solid heading into 2025. Marvin Harrison Jr. was the top wide receiver picked last year. The Buckeyes have had 14 first-rounders since 2016. They hit a high of five that year, and QB C.J. Stroud went No. 2 in 2023.
Some possible first-round picks this year include WR Emeka Egbuka, OT Josh Simmons, and OG Donovan Jackson.
3. Georgia Bulldogs (2018)
Georgia’s run began in Kirby Smart’s third season. They’ve piled up 17 first-round picks since 2018. In 2022, five defenders went early, including Travon Walker as the No. 1 pick to Jacksonville.
Georgia’s streak should continue, as S Malaki Starks, EDGE Mykel Williams, and LB Jalon Walker are projected to be first-round picks.
4. Michigan Wolverines (2019)
Michigan has a five-year streak with seven first-rounders. They doubled up in 2019 and 2022. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy kept the streak alive in 2024. And this year, there are several options, beginning with CB Will Johnson and DT Mason Graham.
5. Florida Gators (2020)
Florida has had six first-round picks since 2020. It started with cornerback C.J. Henderson. Tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Kadarius Toney both went in 2021. Kaiir Elam joined Buffalo in 2022, Anthony Richardson hit No. 4 in 2023, and the 49ers surprised many by taking Ricky Pearsall at No. 31 last year.
Unfortunately, the streak appears to be nearing its end, with Florida having few prospects who can even contend for a top-100 selection in 2025.
6. Oregon Ducks (2020)
Oregon’s streak launched with Justin Herbert in 2020. Penei Sewell was a slam dunk for Detroit in 2021. The Giants took Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 5 in 2022. Christian Gonzalez capped it as a first-rounder in 2023. And the Broncos selected Bo Nix as their franchise signal-caller at No. 12 overall last year.
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This cycle, DT Derrick Harmon is the program’s best bet to be a first-round pick.
7. USC Trojans (2020)
USC’s streak started in 2020 with Austin Jackson at No. 18. Alijah Vera-Tucker went to the Jets in 2021. Drake Jackson landed with Atlanta in 2022, and Jordan Addison kept it going in 2023. Of course, the crown jewel was Caleb Williams last year, as he went No. 1 overall to the Bears.
That said, the Trojans don’t have many top prospects this year, with OL Jonah Monheim likely to be the highest pick — somewhere on early Day 3.
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